Child Development and Learning

Why study Child Development at MC?

The Major in Child Development & Learning is an option for those students who are interested in working with children and adolescents outside the teaching profession. Students in the Child Development and Learning major build a strong foundation in the theory and practice of child development, from conception through adolescence. Various hands-on opportunities are embedded throughout the curriculum for students to provide direct service to children, engage in developmental research, and advance child welfare initiatives and policy. Factors such as economics, family, education, and culture are explored to understand the ecological contexts in which children develop. Close to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, the college is uniquely situated for students to also explore the influence of nature on children’s development.

Other special areas of interest for Child Development students include children with special needs, child advocacy, and international child welfare. Child Development majors often go on to graduate studies or professions within education, social services, special education, or child/family intervention and prevention. Students interested in teaching in elementary grades pursue the Child Development and Learning for Teacher Licensure major.

Teacher Licensure

Students in the Child Development & Learning for Teacher Licensure Major are prepared to become highly qualified teachers in elementary education (grades K-5), following collaborative, supportive, and stimulating learning experiences and successful completion of the Praxis exam required by the State of Tennessee. This major draws upon the strengths of the broad study of the liberal arts, specialized courses in psychology and education, and the professional application of skills through a semester-long student teaching experience. Child Development with Licensure majors develop a strong understanding of child development, the learning process, and the skills to design, implement, and assess instruction appropriate for diverse student populations.

Grounded in a commitment to personal and professional growth, students gain skills to solve the many theoretical, practical, and ethical problems associated with what to teach and how to teach, as well as the ability to effectively integrate technology into the instructional process. Various screening criteria, including a minimum GPA, are required for admission to and completion of this major.

Maryville College Works is a comprehensive career preparation program that is integrated into the College’s four-year liberal arts curriculum. Key components include assessment, advising, networking and professional experiences.

External relationships

Birth to ThreeBoys and Girls ClubCherokee Health Systems, University of Tennessee, and Autism Site Knoxville for the Autism Training InitiativeNew Hope: Blount County Child Advocacy Center

Meet a current student

Julia Gasper ’17Hometown: Winter Park, Fla.

At Maryville, Julia has had the opportunity to work with children in need and has realized she possesses a passion for helping this population. After graduation, she plans to earn a master’s degree in Social Work. “Working on my Senior Thesis has given me not only research experience but the opportunity to work directly with the Anderson County School System, where I’m collecting data on why children are not attending school,” she said. “This experience will allow me to excel once I’ve entered into a graduate program.”

Outcomes of Recent Grads

Featured Graduate

Allie Haskew ’16Currently: Enrolled in the Human Development Counseling program (Clinical Mental Health Counseling track) at Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College

Allie is exploring the possibility of becoming a schoolbased counselor, which would combine two areas that she’s passionate about: school and clinical psychology. “Maryville College provided me with numerous opportunities for internships and practical experiences to help me narrow down the population I wanted to work with and the context in which I wanted to work,” she said. “The professors helped me hone my love for helping and encouraged me in the graduate school process. ”

Maryville College invites applications for full-time Lecturer in Psychology. Lecturer positions are eligible for renewal with a process for eventual promotion to Senior Lecturer. Please submit materials by December 1st for full consideration. Link below has full description. Please share this widely!http://www.maryvillecollege.edu/about/inside/employment/136/

Check out this great opportunity on Mon. 11/14 at 7 pm -- a workshop on "Talking with Kids & Teens about Race" (co-sponsored by LOTS of fabulous community organizations and faith communities, including MC Diversity Action Team and MC Office of Multicultural Affairs!!.https://www.facebook.com/events/1765481673700755/

ANNOUNCEMENT OF FACULTY VACANCY
Lecturer in Psychology
Maryville College, a selective four-year liberal arts college committed to superior teaching, invites applications for a full-time, non-tenure track faculty position in the Division of Behavioral Sciences (including Psychology, Neuroscience, and Child Development). The appointment is at the rank of lecturer, beginning in August 2017. The areas of specialization is open, but we are interested in candidates who are able to effectively teach multiple sections of introductory psychology as well as additional psychology courses in their area of expertise. All faculty members supervise senior study research.
Commitment to excellence in undergraduate teaching is essential. The successful candidate must have a Ph.D. in Psychology or a related field. ABDs will also be considered but must have earned doctorate before appointment. Lecturer positions are eligible for renewal with a process for eventual promotion to Senior Lecturer.
Founded in 1819, Maryville College is one of the oldest baccalaureate-granting institutions of higher learning in the South. Consistently ranked in the top tier of Southern colleges in national magazines, the College is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA). The curriculum is notable for its two-semester Senior Study research requirement and strong liberal arts core program that incorporates career exploration and preparation. The student body of about 1200 is drawn mostly from the Southeast, Middle Atlantic States and the Midwest. Located in Maryville, Tennessee, Maryville College is ideally situated between the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Knoxville, the state’s third largest city.
Applications received by December 1, 2016 can be assured of full consideration. Please send letter of application, curriculum vitae, graduate transcripts, statement of teaching philosophy, and three letters of reference (at least two of which fully address teaching experience and potential) to Dr. Kathie Shiba, Behavioral Sciences Division Chair, at psychology.search@maryvillecollege.edu.
Maryville College is an equal opportunity employer, and specifically invites applications
from minorities.
Visit Maryville College’s website at: http://www.maryvillecollege.edu.http://www.maryvillecollege.edu/

Maryville College is inviting applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor position in American Sign Language and Deaf Studies beginning January 2017. Please submit applications before September 15, 2016. Please share this post widely!!! The link for Maryville College and the ad is: http://www.maryvillecollege.edu/about/inside/employment/faculty-positions/http://www.maryvillecollege.edu/about/inside/employment/faculty-positions/

Standard First Aid and Community CPR certifications as offered by the American Red Cross are required for graduation in this major.

A double major in Psychology and Child Development and Learning is not permitted.

Child Development and Psychology majors may obtain certification through the national Child Life Council by completing the council's required coursework in child development, psychology, and related fields; a 480-hour internship under the supervision of certified Child Life Specialists; and passing the Child Life Professional Certification Examination. The Child Life Council also requires the completion of a Child Life course taught by a certified Child Life Specialist. Maryville College does not offer this course. To fulfill the council’s requirements for certification, students can complete this Child Life course online at a cost determined by those who provide the course. Careful planning of one's degree program is necessary; internship placements are highly competitive and not guaranteed.

The Major in Child Development and Learning for Teacher Licensure is designed for students who plan to teach in the elementary grades and consists of 42 credit hours, 29 credit hours in psychology, 13 credits in liberal studies, and 13 credit hours in related fields.

One of the following courses:HIS 111: Colonial and Revolutionary American (3 hrs.)HIS 112: History of the United States in the19th Century (3 hrs.)HIS 203: History of the United States in the 20th Century (3 hrs.)

Students pursuing this major must complete 26 hours of professional courses in teacher education. The professional courses are listed below and in the Education section of this catalog. They include:

Standard First Aid and Community CPR certifications as offered by the American Red Cross are required for graduation in this major.

Core Curriculum

The Maryville Curriculum, often called the “core” curriculum, consists of 51 credit hours. Some general education requirements are waived by virtue of the student’s major; others may be met by demonstration of competence. List of Core Courses:

Demonstrates ability to solve problems using the scientific mode of inquiry.

Expresses oneself clearly and persuasively in writing and speaking professionally.

Gives formal presentations

Uses APA style in written communications as appropriate

Demonstrates empathy for and sensitivity to individuality and the influence of the human condition.

Utilizes and integrates appropriate technology to enhance professional and communication activities.

Career Options

Child Development & Learning

A major in Child Development & Learning can lead to careers that focus on working directly with children and adolescents, such as teaching at the pre-K or elementary grade levels (with additional teacher licensure) or working in organizations that provide services to children. Entry-level jobs include teaching, case management, youth work, advocacy work, program/activity director, and applied behavior analysis. Some fields, such as counseling or rehabilitation services, may require an advanced degree.

Child Development & Learning with Teacher Licensure

A major in Child Development & Learning with Teacher Licensure prepares students primarily to teach grades K-6. Students may also choose to pursue advanced degrees in a variety of education-related fields and specialties, such as special education. Examples of jobs outside the education profession that have a significant teaching component include patient education or employee training.